Timothy David Paine (born December 8, 1984) is an Australian cricketer who served as the captain of the Australian Test team. He was the captain of the Hobart Hurricanes before being selected for Australia in the 2017–18 Ashes series. He is a right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper who plays for the Tasmanian Tigers in Australian domestic cricket.
Paine, a graduate of the Australian Cricket Academy, became Australia’s youngest-ever contracted player when he signed a rookie deal with Tasmania at the age of 16. In the 2005–06 season, he made his first-class and one-day debuts for Tasmania, scoring a one-day century and a double-century (215) in his following innings.
He was a member of the state’s first Sheffield Shield winning team that season, as well as their one-day winning team in 2007–08. Paine made his ODI debut for Australia against Scotland in 2009 as a replacement for regular wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
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Cricket Tasmania Has Dropped Tim Paine from State Contracts
Tim Paine, the former Australia Test captain, has been denied a state contract by Cricket Tasmania, his home state, following a sexting incident. Following the scandal, Paine stepped down as captain of the team and took a long “mental health vacation” from cricket just before the Ashes series.
Between 2015 and 2017, he sent sexually explicit texts to former Cricket Tasmania receptionist Renee Ferguson, which was revealed last year. The cricketer has denied the claims, claiming that the contact was voluntary.
In 2018, an internal investigation exonerated him, but the findings were not made public until late last year. Ferguson, Paine’s accuser, has accused Cricket Tasmania of sexual harassment. Ferguson is also accused of defrauding Cricket Tasmania, and her case is being tried in Hobart.
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Meanwhile, a Cricket Tasmania spokesman claims that Paine was not offered a contract due to his Cricket Australia-approved extended mental health vacation. Despite the incident that led to his ignominious retirement, the wicketkeeper-batter is well recognized for his role in rebuilding Australian cricket in the aftermath of Sandpaper-gate in 2018, when three of his colleagues were suspended over ball-tampering charges.
After Steve Smith’s Suspension, Tim Paine Was Named Test Captain
Paine was not Australia’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman because the squad already had Matthew Wade to perform that role. However, Wade’s performance dipped in 2016-17, prompting the team to call up Paine for the Sri Lankan T20I series, which marked his comeback.
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Many people were surprised to see him picked in the Australian squad for the 2017/18 Ashes series. Paine had abandoned the tradition of keeping the gloves at the time, but he was sent to the Ashes. However, he wowed everyone and stood out with both the bat and the gloves. After Steve Smith’s two-year suspension, his excellent spell earned him the captaincy.
Full Statement from Tim Paine
“I have decided to step down as captain of the Australian men’s cricket team today.” It’s a difficult choice, but one that’s best for me, my family, and cricket.
Tim Paine has revealed that he knew the texting controversy was going to come out in the public domain at some point in time 🧐#TimPaine #theashes #AusvEng pic.twitter.com/bQhQ1D6lSm
— SportsCafe (@IndiaSportscafe) November 21, 2021
“Nearly four years ago, I was involved in a text discussion with a then-colleague, which influenced my decision. The exchange was the subject of a thorough Cricket Australia Integrity Unit investigation at the time, which I completely cooperated with and participated in openly.
There had been no infraction of the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct, according to that probe and a concurrent Cricket Tasmania HR investigation. Despite being exonerated, I felt terrible about the incident at the time, and I still feel bad about it now.
“At the time, I spoke with my wife and family, and I am deeply grateful for their forgiveness and support.” We assumed that the crisis was over and that I could return to focusing solely on the team, as I had done for the previous three or four years. However, I recently learned that this private text conversation would be made public.
My actions in 2017 did not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain or the greater community, on reflection. I sincerely regret the grief and pain I’ve caused my wife, family, and the other person.
“I apologize for the harm this has done to our sport’s reputation. And I believe that stepping down as captain, effective immediately, is the proper move. I don’t want this to provide an unwelcome distraction for the team before the crucial Ashes series. My time as captain of the Australian cricket team has been fantastic. Leading the Australian men’s test team has been the biggest honor of my sports career.
“I’m grateful for my colleagues’ support and pleased with what we’ve accomplished together.” I humbly request their forgiveness and understanding. To Australian cricket fans, I apologize if my previous actions have harmed our game on the eve of the Ashes. I apologize for the disappointment I have caused fans and the entire cricket community. I’ve been blessed with a lovely, loving, and supportive family, and knowing how much I’ve let them down breaks my heart. They have always supported me and have been my most devoted admirers, and I am grateful for their help.
“I will remain a dedicated part of the Australian cricket squad and eagerly anticipate the upcoming Ashes tour.” “I appreciate it.”